/dæt/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DAT is the equivalent of the English word “that.” It is a demonstrative pronoun used to refer to something specific or previously mentioned in conversation. Synonyms: “That” (English equivalent), “Dis“ (this) Antonyms: “Dis“ (this), “Here” (when contrasting location) Hear how native speakers pronounce DAT in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “DAT food wey you cook yesterday sweet well-well!” Formal: “The...Read More
/dɛm/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DEM functions as the third-person plural pronoun “them” in Standard English. It is used to refer to a group of people, animals, or things that have been previously mentioned or are understood from context. Synonyms: “Them” (English equivalent), “Those ones” Antonyms: “Us”, “Me”, “You” (singular) Hear how native speakers pronounce DEM in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “DEM...Read More
/dɛŋɡe/ Definition: In Nigerian street slang, DENGE means to pose, swag, or carry oneself with style and confidence. It describes a deliberate display of finesse, pride, or elegance, often in dressing, walking, or attitude. Synonyms: “Swag”, “Pose”, “Flex“, “Jaiye“ (Yoruba for enjoyment) Antonyms: “Shy”, “Lowkey“, “Hide”, “No swag” Hear how native speakers pronounce DENGE in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Guy, why you dey DENGE like...Read More
/deɪ/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DEY is a pro-verb used to indicate a state of being or an action in progress. It is equivalent to “am,” “is,” or “are” in Standard English. The word can be used in various tenses and contexts. Synonyms: “Be” (in some contexts), “Stay” (for location) Antonyms: “No DEY” (not present/not doing), “Don finish” (completed action) Hear how...Read More
/ˈdiːa/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DIA means “there.” It is used to indicate a place, location, or position. It functions similarly to the English word “there” in both physical and abstract contexts. Synonyms: “There” (English equivalent), “Yonder“ (in some dialects) Antonyms: “Here” (“here”), “No dey“ (not present) Hear how native speakers pronounce DIA in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Abeg, put my bag DIA!” (Please,...Read More
/dɪs/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DIS is the equivalent of the English word “this.” It is used to point to or refer to something close to the speaker in place or time. Synonyms: “This” (Standard English), “Na DIS” (emphasized form) Antonyms: “Dat“ (that), “Dem“ (those) Hear how native speakers pronounce DIS in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “DIS my new phone cost me arm...Read More
/ˈdoʊdoʊ/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DODO refers to a meal made of fried ripe plantains. It is a popular delicacy enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or main meal accompaniment. Synonyms: “Fried plantain”, “Boli“ Antonyms: “Raw plantain”, “Boiled plantain” Hear how native speakers pronounce DODO in the video below. Usage Examples: Informal: “Mama, fry DODO make I chop with egg!” Formal: “DODO...Read More
/dɒn/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DON is an auxiliary verb used to indicate the present perfect tense. It functions similarly to “has” or “have” in Standard English, showing that an action has been completed or that a state has changed. Synonyms: Has, have, already, done Antonyms: Never, not yet, hasn’t, haven’t Hear how native...Read More
/ˈdɔːr.mɔt/ Definition: “DOORMOT” is a Nigerian Pidgin word derived from the English phrase “door mouth,” literally meaning the entrance of a door or the doorway to a house. In everyday use, it refers specifically to the space just outside or directly in front of a door, especially the main entrance to a home or compound....Read More
/ˈdʌn.diː/ Definition: In Nigerian Pidgin English, DUNDEE (also sometimes spelled “Dundee United”) refers to someone considered foolish, gullible, or lacking in common sense. It’s often used to mock or describe a person who has made a silly or avoidable mistake. Synonyms: “Mumu“, “Olodo“, “Werey“, “Foolish person” Antonyms: “Sharp guy”, “Oga“ (respected person), “Intelligent person” Hear how native speakers pronounce DUNDEE in the video below. Usage...Read More
